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A Tribute to my Mom ~ on my birthday
It was against the odds.
She was 46 and already had 4 adult children and 1 still at home. A new relationship, after a scandalous affair had ripped her first marriage to shreds, brought her love she had thought she'd never have again.
I was a surprise that relatives told her, in polite terms, would not be "normal" and that should be "terminated".
What was she thinking? Women her age are usually starting to enjoy being grandparents, which she already was....
My dad was on the road far away as a long distance truck driver. He would arrive the next day. The pictures showed his exhilarating joy - a baby girl!
My birthday, close on the heels of Valentine's Day, would come to exemplify how Love can be found deep inside each of us.
My mom had made mistakes in raising her first brood. She was more diligent about her next set. She saw the importance of passing on to the next generation the knowledge and skills she possessed.
Life is one constant lesson.
She was ever learning, too. We taught her how to ride a bike when she was in her 50's - not an easy feat on bumpy gravel roads! But she always compared it to riding a horse - even when she fell down!
She could understand animals and what they were thinking. I would laugh at the stories of horses thinking that huge rocks were bears and cats competing over mice in a barn.
Her eyesight had diminished before I was even born. Colors and shapes gradually almost completely faded. Yet, when she braved the transatlantic flight to come see me, she commented about how friendly and smiley the locals were when we walked to the market.
It was because she radiated Love wherever she was.
She didn't let her handicap prevent her from experiencing Life to its fullest.
And when my own world fell apart and I tried to hide it from her, she called crying and simply said, "My daughter, you are Loved."
On this day, the day I was born, I remember my mom and all the wonderful gifts she gave me.
My Life is a Tribute to her greatness.
Thank you, Mom!
She was 46 and already had 4 adult children and 1 still at home. A new relationship, after a scandalous affair had ripped her first marriage to shreds, brought her love she had thought she'd never have again.
I was a surprise that relatives told her, in polite terms, would not be "normal" and that should be "terminated".
What was she thinking? Women her age are usually starting to enjoy being grandparents, which she already was....
My dad was on the road far away as a long distance truck driver. He would arrive the next day. The pictures showed his exhilarating joy - a baby girl!
My birthday, close on the heels of Valentine's Day, would come to exemplify how Love can be found deep inside each of us.
My mom had made mistakes in raising her first brood. She was more diligent about her next set. She saw the importance of passing on to the next generation the knowledge and skills she possessed.
Life is one constant lesson.
She was ever learning, too. We taught her how to ride a bike when she was in her 50's - not an easy feat on bumpy gravel roads! But she always compared it to riding a horse - even when she fell down!
She could understand animals and what they were thinking. I would laugh at the stories of horses thinking that huge rocks were bears and cats competing over mice in a barn.
Her eyesight had diminished before I was even born. Colors and shapes gradually almost completely faded. Yet, when she braved the transatlantic flight to come see me, she commented about how friendly and smiley the locals were when we walked to the market.
It was because she radiated Love wherever she was.
She didn't let her handicap prevent her from experiencing Life to its fullest.
And when my own world fell apart and I tried to hide it from her, she called crying and simply said, "My daughter, you are Loved."
On this day, the day I was born, I remember my mom and all the wonderful gifts she gave me.
My Life is a Tribute to her greatness.
Thank you, Mom!
Hungary
Just heard a few days ago that Hungary is encouraging young Hungarian families to have more kids (due to population decline) and with that comes some benefits for the mother as well. Benefits include a $36,000 loan which is cancelled after a certain period of time etc. I think after the fourth baby is born the remainder debt is cancelled....
I truly don't know if this is true but would like to find out if anyone on CS might confirm this
I truly don't know if this is true but would like to find out if anyone on CS might confirm this
The Pressure Cooker
Stove top pressure cookers have done nothing but terrify me so you couldn't give me one. However the digital counter top ones stole my heart after I saw a friend brag about it on Facebook. Mine is called the InstanntPot or IP for short. You would have to pry it out of my cold dead hands now before I would give it up.
On a side note this blog is directed at someone here as a lure to write. I think two members have bought a pressure cooker because of my blogging love for it. One has used it and one still hasn't (I'm guilty of this as well - buying something then not using it)
It doesn't just pressure cook, it steams, stews, has a crock pot setting, saute, rice cooker and more. I love this damn gadget. I've spent lots of time on you tube watching recipes in the IP or on Pinterest. Can't tell you how many things I've cooked, including eggs, lots and lots of eggs. The best feature is how easy to maintain as it cleans so easy PLUS I can't burn anything in it when I forget. It knows and keeps it warm all by itself. Having Dad call me in the evening to tell me dinner was delicious melts my heart as I'm glad he still remembers who I am. He is not a compliment giver either, he usually teases me on what I did wrong so feeding him something he loved feels damn good. I won't have much longer to do this.
Since Mom's accident the IP has been a God send to make one pot dinners. The IP has the inner pot which is what you cook in. I can take the inner pot out, go to my folks and put it in there IP on warm at anytime of the day, (bring their inner pot home as we have the same IP) then they can have their meal anytime they want and I got to deliver it at my convenience. If I forget to defrost something for dinner, no problem just throw the frozen hunk in the pot and it still comes out delicious.
Lots of people make cheesecake in thier pots, I haven't tried that yet. I bought the spring form pan for it but haven't had the desire to make it. I'm so used to flying solo that planning a meal to feed more is the biggest challenge I'm facing. However while writing this blog chicken and dumplings came to mind so that's what for dinner. Well I will call Mom and see if she wants what is on my menu, if so then that frozen bird is getting cooked today.
On a side note this blog is directed at someone here as a lure to write. I think two members have bought a pressure cooker because of my blogging love for it. One has used it and one still hasn't (I'm guilty of this as well - buying something then not using it)
It doesn't just pressure cook, it steams, stews, has a crock pot setting, saute, rice cooker and more. I love this damn gadget. I've spent lots of time on you tube watching recipes in the IP or on Pinterest. Can't tell you how many things I've cooked, including eggs, lots and lots of eggs. The best feature is how easy to maintain as it cleans so easy PLUS I can't burn anything in it when I forget. It knows and keeps it warm all by itself. Having Dad call me in the evening to tell me dinner was delicious melts my heart as I'm glad he still remembers who I am. He is not a compliment giver either, he usually teases me on what I did wrong so feeding him something he loved feels damn good. I won't have much longer to do this.
Since Mom's accident the IP has been a God send to make one pot dinners. The IP has the inner pot which is what you cook in. I can take the inner pot out, go to my folks and put it in there IP on warm at anytime of the day, (bring their inner pot home as we have the same IP) then they can have their meal anytime they want and I got to deliver it at my convenience. If I forget to defrost something for dinner, no problem just throw the frozen hunk in the pot and it still comes out delicious.
Lots of people make cheesecake in thier pots, I haven't tried that yet. I bought the spring form pan for it but haven't had the desire to make it. I'm so used to flying solo that planning a meal to feed more is the biggest challenge I'm facing. However while writing this blog chicken and dumplings came to mind so that's what for dinner. Well I will call Mom and see if she wants what is on my menu, if so then that frozen bird is getting cooked today.
online today!
Becoming pregnant......
....should be a joy. Sure, the birds and bees advice some, but more and more, not all, of our folks gave us, mostly did the job. And speaking of parents, isn't that what they call Catholics follwing the rhythm contraceptive methods? But I digress. It's much more than a plumbing story, peebles. Yes, anatomy is important, but not everything---ask any barren couple or their consultant nurse or doc. Relaxation must be involved, for one. Those poor souls in IVF clinics are among the most anxious partners I've ever seen. The reason acupuncturists often get results, or why natural births often follow adoption?Women know. There are o*gasm, and then there are o*gasm!---with visits from the stork often following the latter. And lots more. We're much more than a bunch of tissues and chemicals---well, at least if we escape CFM, early in this life.
Wish I could turn back the clock..
But I know I can't. I am realistic about Life. But I think it is okay to wish.
Yesterday my oldest daughter got married. The legal part of it. The actual wedding is in two months.
I went to the cemetery in the morning and laid flowers on three graves. My Dad, my late husband and my late parents in law. I was asking myself why I was doing it. Of course I miss them and wish they were here. But more than that I am forever grateful for them being a part of my life.
I didn't mention her of her dad. I just wanted her to be happy. So it was a secret visit to the ones who passed.
I joined CS after my husband's passing. It was a difficult time. There are lots of people who have been kind to me here. I won't mention names. Though we don't talk often on blogs, I am forever grateful to all the wonderful people. You helped me to move on.
Welela, Wallops, KN, Sands. Even Ian who are not in CS any longer. Thank you for your kindness and understanding. I hope all of you are keeping healthy and happy.
Of course there was a troll or two I got to know. Somehow you came to my mind RC. Funny, I feel you will read this.
Life goes on. People come in to our lives for reasons, seasons and life times. Even death does not seem to part the one I once loved, married and had children with. I think it is natural to think of him and feel his absence on days like these.
Wish he was there standing by my side.
Yesterday my oldest daughter got married. The legal part of it. The actual wedding is in two months.
I went to the cemetery in the morning and laid flowers on three graves. My Dad, my late husband and my late parents in law. I was asking myself why I was doing it. Of course I miss them and wish they were here. But more than that I am forever grateful for them being a part of my life.
I didn't mention her of her dad. I just wanted her to be happy. So it was a secret visit to the ones who passed.
I joined CS after my husband's passing. It was a difficult time. There are lots of people who have been kind to me here. I won't mention names. Though we don't talk often on blogs, I am forever grateful to all the wonderful people. You helped me to move on.
Welela, Wallops, KN, Sands. Even Ian who are not in CS any longer. Thank you for your kindness and understanding. I hope all of you are keeping healthy and happy.
Of course there was a troll or two I got to know. Somehow you came to my mind RC. Funny, I feel you will read this.
Life goes on. People come in to our lives for reasons, seasons and life times. Even death does not seem to part the one I once loved, married and had children with. I think it is natural to think of him and feel his absence on days like these.
Wish he was there standing by my side.
Challenges and Chores
Seems everything in life has trade offs so one just has to take the bad with the good. Luckily I've been told many times throughout life that I can find good in any bad situation. I like that compliment.
I know how lucky I am to still have both parents, especially for putting up with all the challenges us kids put them through. I'm also learning that trying to help them in their aged years is an honor and a chore.
Minor example; I love to cook, however I'm finding it is difficult to cook fairly bland and to make enough so there isn't any leftovers as they don't do leftovers. They have always had them but all us kids would go by and grab those leftovers throught the years, we loved them. I don't want left overs of bland food so I'm trying to cook differently than I'm used too. Challenge and figuring out what to fix is another challenge.
Today I'm going to make mango/strawberry smoothies for their lunch because having mango and strawberries in the freezer. I need to work on the foods from two households as Mom must have been grocery shopping before the accident and both our households were full. So have to plan meals around what is going to go bad first. Challenge.
Seeing Mom getting better, she now has the strength to walk on her own, just slowly. Blessing. Bone doctor put her shoulder in a different sling and gave her some therapy exercises as it is now frozen. Pain & Agony.
Repair man is on his way to fix heat/ac unit. Life is good. I love my home and being in it, near to the folks. I spent much of my life on the other side of the country, was a little home sick but truth be known I hate this state EXCEPT in winter when I love it.
Love Hate relationships? I love/hate my state and I love/hate technology but I LOVE LOVE my dog.
I know how lucky I am to still have both parents, especially for putting up with all the challenges us kids put them through. I'm also learning that trying to help them in their aged years is an honor and a chore.
Minor example; I love to cook, however I'm finding it is difficult to cook fairly bland and to make enough so there isn't any leftovers as they don't do leftovers. They have always had them but all us kids would go by and grab those leftovers throught the years, we loved them. I don't want left overs of bland food so I'm trying to cook differently than I'm used too. Challenge and figuring out what to fix is another challenge.
Today I'm going to make mango/strawberry smoothies for their lunch because having mango and strawberries in the freezer. I need to work on the foods from two households as Mom must have been grocery shopping before the accident and both our households were full. So have to plan meals around what is going to go bad first. Challenge.
Seeing Mom getting better, she now has the strength to walk on her own, just slowly. Blessing. Bone doctor put her shoulder in a different sling and gave her some therapy exercises as it is now frozen. Pain & Agony.
Repair man is on his way to fix heat/ac unit. Life is good. I love my home and being in it, near to the folks. I spent much of my life on the other side of the country, was a little home sick but truth be known I hate this state EXCEPT in winter when I love it.
Love Hate relationships? I love/hate my state and I love/hate technology but I LOVE LOVE my dog.
Family drama that can't be avoided
I'm living my dream. I retired from my job of 20 years in Orlando in April to move to Tampa just 2 miles from my folks. I wanted to be a helping hand but before the accident they didn't need me too much, now they do.
Mom fell last week at a doctor's office during a stress test. She was sent to hospital by ambulance ($$). Turns out she dislocated her should which they had to pop back in, a giant hemotoma the size of a grapefruit on her hip and a huge gash on her leg.
I'm upset that someone didn't assist an 82 yr old woman with Parkinson's off the x-ray chair and into the other room they were sending her. Without assistance she fell and has been in horrible agony since. I contacted the most advertsied "slip & fall" attorney, Morgan & Morgan only to find out they don't want the case. I called the FL State Bar for another referral and will deal with that Monday. Mom may not want to sue because she is afraid she won't be able to see her beloved doctor.
As luck would have it my 28 yr old nephew, their grandson is staying with the folks temporarily so between the both of us it's good.
However after 9 days of hardly any sleep I have brain fog and have come home to spend one night in my own bed. With Dad's wandering mind, the challenges are interesting in what he does and doesn't remember but he is still good at barking orders. I'm still bad at getting frustrated instead of just agreeing and letting it go.
Since I'm so blessed to still have my folks. I tried hard to get from Orlando to Tampa but was more loyal to my job. Luckily my bossed pushed the issue of me retiring and let me go slowly by taking duties away over the last two years. I made it to Tampa 8 months ago and as hard as this job is, caring for one's parents, I'm still thankful to have them.
I'm not the best care taker because I'm clueless but I'm open to new experiences. Wish me luck.
Mom fell last week at a doctor's office during a stress test. She was sent to hospital by ambulance ($$). Turns out she dislocated her should which they had to pop back in, a giant hemotoma the size of a grapefruit on her hip and a huge gash on her leg.
I'm upset that someone didn't assist an 82 yr old woman with Parkinson's off the x-ray chair and into the other room they were sending her. Without assistance she fell and has been in horrible agony since. I contacted the most advertsied "slip & fall" attorney, Morgan & Morgan only to find out they don't want the case. I called the FL State Bar for another referral and will deal with that Monday. Mom may not want to sue because she is afraid she won't be able to see her beloved doctor.
As luck would have it my 28 yr old nephew, their grandson is staying with the folks temporarily so between the both of us it's good.
However after 9 days of hardly any sleep I have brain fog and have come home to spend one night in my own bed. With Dad's wandering mind, the challenges are interesting in what he does and doesn't remember but he is still good at barking orders. I'm still bad at getting frustrated instead of just agreeing and letting it go.
Since I'm so blessed to still have my folks. I tried hard to get from Orlando to Tampa but was more loyal to my job. Luckily my bossed pushed the issue of me retiring and let me go slowly by taking duties away over the last two years. I made it to Tampa 8 months ago and as hard as this job is, caring for one's parents, I'm still thankful to have them.
I'm not the best care taker because I'm clueless but I'm open to new experiences. Wish me luck.
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